Tuesday, April 30, 2013

NL King - Arenado Up !!!

Sorry I did not get this article posted sooner. Things have been hectic. Over the weekend the Rockies promoted top 3B prospect Nolan Arenado and designated for assignment Chris Nelson. Nelson was under whelming in April (Nelson is a really a utility player) and Arenado continued his strong spring with a ridiculous April in AAA in Colorado Springs.

Arenado was the Rockies 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft. Prior to 2011 Arenado was already on the Baseball America top 100 Prospect list ranked at 80 and Arenado has been on BA top 100 the last 2 years as well ranked 42 in 2012 and 52 this year. Arenado was progressing very well and go into last season it seemed that a strong 2012 and Arenado could be the Rocks starting 3B come opening day in 2013. However Arenado had a very mediocre year last season in AA with 12HR-56RBI-55R-0SB-.285AVG-.337OBP in 134 games and 573 PA. Those numbers were not awful but that was not what the Rockies were expecting out of Arenado.

But keep in mind Arenado just turned 22 a couple of weeks ago so the Rocks felt Arenado needed another year of seasoning in the minors heading into Spring. Arenado came into Spring as the player the Rocks thought he was and had a very strong spring, so much so he was one of the last day cuts. I think the Rocks figured they had enough hitting and lets not rush him especially after his mediocre 2012. Also I am sure delaying Arenado's free agent 6 year clock came into play as well. So Arenado went down to AAA and tore it up for the month of April. In 75 Plate Appearances Arenado had 3HR-21RBI-14R-0SB-.364AVG-.392OBP-.667SLG-1.059OPS.

Arenado is off to a good start as he had a monster night last night at Dodger stadium going 3 for 6 with a HR, 2 RBI and 3 Runs scored. I highly advise picking up Arenado off of your leagues free agency / waiver wire if you can. I recommend being very aggressive in picking this kid up (I was in my league) as I believe Arenado has a strong chance to be a $20+ player this year in Auction leagues and I think he will be in the top of the voting for Rookie of the Year. Maybe Arenado won't be an impact bat his rookie year but I expect for him to be just a notch below that. I am very high on this kid as I have been tracking his progress the last 2 years. Buy on Arenado.